MLB Player News

Garcia (elbow) will embark on a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin on Saturday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Garcia has been pulled from two previous rehab assignments due to nerve issues related to his biceps and neck. The veteran right-hander is ready to restart his rehab assignment and is slated to pitch one inning for Dunedin on Saturday. Garcia has been sidelined since early July of 2025 due to a right elbow injury and will likely need multiple minor-league outings before being cleared to return to the majors.

Smith is being evaluated after exiting a rehab appearance with Triple-A Toledo on Thursday with right shoulder/lat discomfort, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Smith was making his second rehab appearance after missing nearly two months with right shoulder inflammation, so it's a worrisome setback. More should be known about the reliever's condition in the coming days.

The Guardians optioned Dion to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Dion logged three appearances during his most recent stint with the big club, yielding two runs with a 7:0 K:BB over 4.1 innings. He'll be replaced on the roster by Tim Herrin (elbow), who is back from the injured list.

The Guardians activated Herrin (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Herrin required only a minimum absence while working his way back from a left elbow contusion. He'll slide back into a left-handed setup role.

The Royals optioned Morgan to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Morgan will make his way back to Triple-A after spending two weeks with the big-league club. The 30-year-old made just two appearances since being recalled July 10 with Kansas City. The Royals demoted Morgan to make room for Nate Pearson on the active roster.

The Orioles recalled Walker from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

The 31-year-old acted as the 27th man during Wednesday's doubleheader against Boston before being returned to Triple-A, but Walker hasn't actually pitched in a big-league game since June 30. With Norfolk, the left-hander has posted a 3.73 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB in 31.1 innings.

Rodriguez (elbow) began a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Thursday, giving up a solo home run and striking out three in one inning.

Rodriguez served up a home run to the first batter he faced since last August's flexor surgery, but he then rebounded to fan the next three hitters. The 29-year-old will need several rehab outings as he preps for a return to the Rays' bullpen. Rodriguez posted a 2.12 ERA and 59:17 K:BB over 68 innings the last two seasons for Tampa Bay, so he could provide a nice boost to the relief corps if he can regain his pre-surgery form.

Finnegan earned the save Thursday against the Royals, recording the final two outs in a 4-3 victory.

With Kenley Jansen unavailable after pitching three of the previous four days, Drew Sommers got the initial call in the ninth but was pulled after allowing a walk and a single. Finnegan entered with two runners on and one out and needed just two pitches to induce a game-ending double play from Salvador Perez, earning his second save of the season and first since April 30. While the veteran right-hander owns a respectable 2.36 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP and 35:25 K:BB across 45.2 innings, he has struggled to protect leads this season, getting charged with six blown saves.

Dobnak did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Tigers, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out three over five scoreless innings.

Dobnak delivered another effective outing, throwing 50 of 76 pitches for strikes while limiting Detroit to just six hard-hit balls. He generated 10 whiffs on 34 swings despite finishing with only three strikeouts. The veteran right-hander has allowed one run over his last 15 innings and owns a 1.42 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 10:9 K:BB across four appearances since being recalled July 1. With Stephen Kolek (forearm) having been transferred to the 60-day injured list, Dobnak appears to have a clear path to remaining a part of the rotation.

Way will serve as the Royals' opening pitcher Friday against the Tigers, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Way will make his first major-league start after posting a 3.22 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 21 strikeouts over 22.1 innings in 18 appearances with the Royals so far this season. The right-hander will likely be limited to no more than two innings on the mound, and southpaw Noah Cameron is expected to pitch in the contest in some capacity after Way's departure.